PBS Series, ‘Latino Americans’
Debuts at TAMIU Tuesday

Laredoans will have a chance to be a part of television history by attending a special screening of the landmark PBS Series, “Latino Americans,” on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Texas A&M International University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Theatre from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
KLRN, Laredo’s PBS affiliate, will present the screening free of charge for audiences of all ages along with a local panel discussion.

TAMIU president Ray Keck will moderate the panel discussion. He said the broadcast is truly historic.

“This is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the first major TV documentary to chronicle the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos who have shaped the US over the past 500 years and have become the largest minority group in the US. We are honored to join KLRN in bringing this event to our students and the community at large and to present a local panel for critical insight,” Dr. Keck said.

Laredo native and KLRN president and CEO Mario Vazquez said the Series is a source of considerable pride for him.

“The Latino American Series brings to light very real stories that hit home with our viewing community. Not only am I proud that these stories will be told in my hometown of Laredo, I’m proud that they are being told nationwide across the PBS spectrum,” Vazquez said.

“Latino Americans,” narrated by actor Benjamin Bratt, features interviews with close to 100 Latinos from the worlds of politics, business and pop culture, including Herman Badillo, Dolores Huerta, Gloria Estefan and Rita Moreno, among others. The three-part, six-hour series is produced by Cuban-born, Emmy Award-winning series producer Adriana Bosch.

“Latino Americans” will also feature an innovative bilingual digital engagement campaign centralized at pbs.org/latino-americans which provides ways to interact with Latino American history, its contribution, and its role in American society. A companion book and bilingual public education campaign are also available.

The Series begins broadcast Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 7-9 p.m. on KLRN. It continues through Oct. 1.